Pakistan vs South Africa, 36th Match, Group 2 at Sydney, T20 WC, Nov 03 2022 - Ball by Ball Commentary

11.20pm: Time for the captains, starting with Temba Bavuma: [Pakistan recovery from 43-4] "Definitely disappointing the way we ended our bowling and fielding. Getting them four down early. We have questions to ask and need to come up with solutions. Credit to them, they had the momentum and took it with them through the bowling innings. We knew the weather could be an issue. The bowlers practice these things, but its difficult. We probably didn't adapt quick enough, and we could have tried to use the bigger side more. Not an excuse, but they're things we'll speak about. Netherlands next, a big game. Want to put this game past us as quickly as possible and come again."

Pakistan captain Babar Azam: "Very happy the way the team performed. Me and Rizwan were not up to the mark, but the way Haris played, he's a different player and shifted the momentum. Then Shadab and Ifti were outstanding in finishing the innings. [Best XI now?] These are out best players and everyone is ready to play. Everyone is a match-winner. First two matches were close losses, but we've given 100% in the last two matches and you never know, cricket is a funny game, we hope for the best."

So Pakistan are up to third in Group 2, clinging to the coattails of South Africa, who lose their record as the last unbeaten team in the tournament. There's one round of games left, and four sides still hoping to progress - a similar equation to that in Group 1, where the focus will return tomorrow, with New Zealand facing Ireland and Australia looking to keep their defence alive against Afghanistan. For tonight, from Chacha Alan and Badmash PDP, not to mention Raghav bhai, that's a wrap. Cheerio!

11.15pm: Fittingly, Shadab has the ball in hand as a strong Pakistan-supporting crowd rises to acknowledge their team's second win of the tournament. They'll need a favour from somewhere - either Netherlands, Zimbabwe or the weather - but know that there's still a potential path to the semis if they can beat Bangladesh in their last outing

Shadab Khan is Player of the Match for his 22-ball 52 and cheap two-for: [Ever timed the ball better?] "I've done it in the PSL, but this is an international match and a World Cup match, so it's the best. The pitch was nice, a bit slow but the ball came on nicely. [Bowling] First ball, I tried to bowl on the stumps, bowled slow and it gripped a bit. Paid off. [Bat higher up?] I like it, depends on the situation and the team."

Asim: "I know my comment never gets posted but wanted to remind everyone this World Cup has given us giant killings are we in store for one more giant killing." But will it be Afghanistan vs Australia, Zimbabwe vs India, or Netherlands vs SA...?

Shamsi is the last man in

"Hey there! Really need to know this! Who would make it to the semis if both Pak and SA finish on 6 points? Which would be the first tie breaker: net runrate, head to head record or the most number of wins? Pleeeeeeaaassssseeeee tell :,)" Believe it's number of wins first, Virat

Haris Rauf to close out

Anrich Nortje heads out, the RRR rocketing

Manav reckons this is done: "This result has made things interesting with Group 2. India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, SA all have a chance at the semis spot."

Naseem Shah to bowl, Stubbs to try and upset the apple cart. Short boundary is to the leg side

Kagiso Rabada in at No. 8

Still, Umer is jittery: "Is any of the batsman named Hussey, Wade or Kholi? Bites nails in nervousness."

Wasim to bowl, his confidence should be high after that catch

SA need 47 from 18, Forecaster is 95% for Pakistan. Not everyone is confident, though. Utsav: "48 off 18 or as we now call it - the MEK-Kohli zone"

In comes Wayne Parnell to swing for the fences

"Yorkers, yorkers and Yorkers. This is what you need at this stage if the game." Easy to say until you miss one, Haris